Shatterproof – So Punk

By starrymag | July 8, 2017

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) We describe our sound as violin based alternative rock. We are all influenced by a wide range of genres and that shines through in our music. Everything from Latin music, to hardcore, to electronic.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Our band has a never ending list of musical inspirations, but to name a few: Papa Roach, Too Close To Touch, Beartooth, Tickle Me Pink, Sigur Ros and The Neighbourhood.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “So Punk.”

 

A) “So Punk” is our starving artist anthem. The song lyrically talks of how it can be hard to be an artist and take on the music industry, but the chorus has a message of hope with the line “I’m not down…I’m not out.” Although it is a constant grind and not always immediately rewarding, this song reminds us of how we are passionate enough about pursuing music to never back down. Also, the song has a southern sound so the name “So Punk” was originally supposed to be short for “Southern Punk.”

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think fans connect to “So Punk” because it has a positive message that can be applied to any situation. In times of hardship it is important to see the big picture and remember why you are on the path you are on. Also, the song is very energetic and catches the listener’s attention right from the moment you hit play.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Our song writing process varies from song to song, but one thing that stays constant is the collaboration of band members. We all write our own parts and give each other input. It is important to us to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard in the songwriting process. We have written songs starting with lyrics, but I would say the majority of our songs start with an instrumental iPhone recording at band practice that then gets shaped and tweaked to fit the vocals/lyrics that are written on top.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) We are very involved when it comes to the production of our music. Before we go in the studio we demo out the song and create all of the production we have in mind. Each band member has experience with recording so we are able to create ideas before going into the studio. Once we are in the studio we work with our engineer/producer Chris Beeble who helps us polish our ideas and also adds further production.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Shatterproof performance?

 

A) A live Shatterproof show is full of energy, but also very dynamic. We incorporate a lot of unique live instruments into our set including: Electric violin, Melodica, Aux Toms, and Keyboard. Stage presence is also very important to us so you can expect a headbanging violinist and a lot of jumping.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Some of our favorite places to play include: Van’s Warped Tour, The Summit Music Hall (Denver, CO), King’s Venue (Raleigh, NC), The Budweiser Event Center (Loveland, CO) and The Whisky a Go-Go (Los Angeles, CA). The venues in Colorado are significant to us because we are from here so they are really special places to put on hometown shows. Van’s Warped Tour is an incredible experience and is a place full of awesome people who connect with our music. King’s Venue in Raleigh is special to us because that is where our label Revival Recordings is based out of and it is always good to hang with our Revival Family plus the venue is sweet. The Whisky a Go-Go is a legendary California venue that we feel very lucky to have played. The Budweiser Event Center is special for two reasons. First, it is in our hometown and second, it is the biggest venue we have played and it felt surreal to play our first stadium style show there when we played with Switchfoot and Tyler Ward.

 

Q) Will there be an EP or full album coming in the near future?

 

A) New material is on the way! We are releasing a five song self-titled EP through Revival Recordings on July 21st that we are very excited to put out into the world. As far as an album we are not able to share any details, but we are constantly writing. [wink]

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) We would love to collaborate with a number of bands, but to name a few: Paramore, Beartooth, Blackbear, Twenty One Pilots and Panic At The Disco.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) We listened to a lot of Papa Roach’s new album on this tour. We all grew up on that band so it was awesome to hear what they have been up to. The album is full of catchy well produced tracks that were great for rocking out in the band van. We also love the new Too Close To Touch album. That album is also very well produced and has some incredible chorus’s.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Social media is a crucial part of this band. The beauty of social media is that it is worldwide which has gained us fans from all over the world. We are constantly posting on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube (We love making over the top cinematic videos). We feel it is important to be active on social media to keep our audience up to date with all of our shenanigans. Connecting with our fans is very important to us as well. We make sure to write back to as many messages and tweets as we can. Our fan base is full of dedication and love and we wanna always make sure we show that back to our fans.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) To all of our fans, we just want to say that we could not accomplish what we do without your love and support. Thank you for believing in what we are so passionate about. Our band name applies to everyone in the Shatterproof family. Although life has its struggles, when we got knocked down we get right back up. We are all “Shatterproof.”